A message from Matt Harrington ’84
Friends,
This has been a remarkable year for Denison. With the What We Can Be campaign in full swing, we’re building upon a strong foundation and doubling down on our bold vision for the college: opening more doors, deepening and redefining learning, and accelerating lifelong success.
For me, philanthropy has always been about creating opportunity for others. I was raised to believe that it’s not the dollar amount that counts; it’s the expression of commitment and support that matters. Every gift — the scholarship that tells a student “you belong,” the support that sparks faculty innovation, the internship that launches a life path, the investment that transforms a building — helps make the Denison of tomorrow possible.
Denison gave me so much. I met my wife, Lisa ʼ85, here; made friends for life; had unbelievable professors and mentors; and graduated well-equipped for a rewarding career. Giving back is simply a way to help students have the same formative experience I was fortunate enough to receive.
As you read the stories that follow, I hope you’ll feel the same sense of optimism that I do about what lies ahead for Denison. At a time when so much in the world can feel beyond our control, it’s encouraging to know there are still places where we can raise a hand and contribute to the kind of future we want to see. Denison is one of those places.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the college, thank you for your generosity, your confidence in this community, and for helping realize What We Can Be. Together, we’re creating possibilities for today’s students — and generations of Denisonians to come.
Matthew J. Harrington ’84
Denison Trustee
Campaign Executive Committee
Years ago, What We Can Be: The Denison Campaign was a bold but conceptual plan for Denison’s future. Today, it is a historically ambitious $400 million fundraising effort, actively and tangibly in motion, aimed at fortifying and amplifying the university’s core values.
“What We Can Be is a campaign about ambition and vision. About belief. About possibility,” said President Adam Weinberg at the campus kickoff event last fall. “It’s about investing in Denison students and faculty, not only to meet this moment, but to shape what comes next.”
The campaign is organized around five strategic priorities that reflect Denison’s strengths and aspirations:
Great students come from all backgrounds.
Denison’s commitment to access and affordability ensures that talented, driven students can say yes to Denison — and participate fully once they are here.
An investment in students
The Silversteins continue their commitment to Denison
A new $8 million gift from Jonathan Silverstein ’89 and his wife, Natalie, will help more students access the life-changing opportunities that define a Denison education.
Beyond mentorship
Honoring a deep Denison connection
Inspired by the mentor who helped shape her future, Christina Millender ’99 has established an endowed scholarship to support Denison students.
More than financial aid
When a scholarship means “you belong”
A scholarship once opened the door for Susan Booth ’85. Now, her generosity is helping talented students walk through it with confidence.
A liberal arts education is built on curiosity.
Denison challenges students to ask better questions, explore new ideas, and see connections others might miss.
From vision to reality
Donor support brings a dynamic campus hub to life
As students walk into Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data & Innovation for the first time, they’ll enter a transformative new space where data, technology, and the liberal arts come together.
Seeing the whole board
A game-changing gift for Grand Strategy
The Dimitruk family is helping future leaders develop the broad perspective and confidence needed to shape a complex world.
A Denison education is designed to fuel futures.
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, alumni mentorship, internships, and career-focused programming, students gain the skills, experiences, and networks to launch successful and meaningful lives after graduation.
Return on investment
The Knowlton Center turns 10
Donor support has powered a decade of innovation, creating a career services ecosystem — #2 in the U.S. — that equips every Denison student to explore, grow, and succeed.
Setting the stage
Internships unlock careers in the arts
Karen Kendig Simon ’73 is investing in aspiring artists by making transformative internship experiences possible for theatre students.
Four years on The Hill extends well beyond the classroom.
By investing in athletics, the arts, campus programming, student wellness, and other aspects of residential life, Denison creates an environment where students can challenge themselves, support one another, and cultivate a lasting sense of connection.
Built to win
How Big Red supporters fuel Denison athletics
Behind every championship season is a community of fans and donors helping Denison student-athletes thrive in competition and beyond.
A standing O for WO
Denison Singers honor Professor Emeritus William Osborne
A beloved professor’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations through a scholarship created by the students whose lives he transformed through music.
Staying in the game
Alum serves up support for men’s tennis
More than 50 years after joining the team, Dave Jonas ’78 continues to champion the sport he loves by creating opportunities for Big Red student-athletes.
The moments they'll remember
Fostering joy on campus, one event at a time
Through an endowed fund for student events, Bob ’77 and Mary ’76 Foster are strengthening the sense of community that defines life on The Hill.
The Denison experience does not end at Commencement.
Across generations and around the world, alums remain connected through friendships, professional relationships, volunteer service, and shared experiences. By strengthening opportunities for engagement, mentorship, and networking, Denison is cultivating a community that continues to enrich lives long after students leave The Hill.
Lifelong bonds
The French family’s lasting Denison connection
A multigenerational commitment to Denison has inspired generosity that reflects a deep belief in the university’s mission and empowers Denison to invest strategically for the future.
The long way home
An alumni network in action, 50 years later
What started as Reunion planning for the Class of 1976 evolved into lasting support for the students, experiences, and opportunities that define Denison.
A “win-win-win”
Laying a lasting foundation of support
Rick Fenstermacher ’73 is making a lasting impact at Denison by aligning his charitable giving with his financial plans and personal values.
The power of showing up
Denison Everywhere warmed hearts in 2026
Despite frigid temperatures and winter storms across much of the United States, Denisonians celebrated their connections this past January.
Your Impact
Philanthropy 2026 at a Glance
$52,159,577
7,868
7,400
$9,309,776
1,235
65%
$1,452,269
$5K to $10K
$727,279
< $1K
2,715
Denison’s Annual Fund is the gift that reaches everywhere.
As the university’s most flexible source of philanthropic support, Annual Fund gifts help meet immediate needs, seize new opportunities, and bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Denison education.
Powered by community
A giving day for Denison
More than 1,640 donors came together on April 22, 2026, for Denison’s annual Day of Giving, contributing more than $617,000 to support students.
The next generation steps up
It’s never too early to be a Denison donor
Denison’s most recent graduates are already demonstrating what it means to stay connected and give back.
In Their Words
“The Denison University Biological Reserve is more than a 350-acre natural area — it is a living laboratory and vital resource that provides students with hands-on opportunities in conservation, research, fieldwork, and environmental science. Investing in the Bio Reserve supports experiential learning by allowing students to engage directly in conservation projects, ecological research, and habitat management while developing valuable professional and leadership skills. Current projects focused on invasive species removal and natural ecosystem restoration give students meaningful real-world experience addressing environmental challenges and restoring healthy native habitats. Continued support for the Bio Reserve strengthens student education, advances conservation efforts, and ensures the long-term stewardship of important natural ecosystems.”
Josh Cherubini, Bio Reserve Manager
“In the days following my receipt of the Dr. David Baker Research & Scholarship Excellence Award, multiple students stopped me to say congratulations, even students I'd never taught in a class. It's been very touching to learn that students and colleagues value my efforts as a scholar, teacher, and member of the Denison community. The award shined a light on me and my scholarship (I study the ecology of small ponds, and I also study tick populations). I am thrilled to receive this honor.”
Jessica Rettig, Professor of Biology, Director of Global Health
“The Annual Fund gives students options — whether that’s an interview opportunity, a study abroad experience, or discovering a new passion. Those moments can change the course of someone’s life. Alumni support helps maintain that special learning environment. It allows students from all backgrounds to come together, explore their interests, and build the kinds of relationships that make Denison unique.”
Harrison DeChant ʼ20 and Nicholas DeChant ʼ20, Annual Fund Young Alumni Co-Chairs
“Currently, my favorite part of Denison is having complete independence in my career and choices (being so far away from home) and the opportunities surrounding me. An example of this is exploring Columbus for the first time. I had never explored beyond my hometown before, but I have now visited malls, museums, theaters, and even concerts. Another instance is joining the American Roots Ensemble, with plans to remain there for the rest of my academic career. Apart from piano, I never imagined I would pick up another instrument, much less perform for over two hundred people at least twice a semester.”
Yuvelk López García ʼ28, recipient of the Cromwell Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Nan Nowik
“When I graduated from Denison, 2001 and the technology shown in A Space Odyssey seemed very far off. Now, 2050 is equally far away — yet with decades of proven advancements, to contemplate what achievements will be witnessed seems all the more interesting and exciting. The constant throughout time is that a Denison education prepares graduates to take on the world of change now and well into the future. My planned gift will support Denison students as they prepare to contribute to the amazing adventures ahead, and I encourage you to consider the same through your own estate plans.”